06-14-2012
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#1 (permalink) |
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ruined
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Playa Del Carmen Mexico
Posts: 80
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Getting to know expats.....
Just how does one do that?
I have been coming to Playa for 10 years as a "Vacationer". Last winter I came for 3 months, though I was supposed to stay for 4, I left early. All my times there I saw the Expats and thought one day I will come here for the winter and meet lots of friends. Oh, I met a few, including the guy who tried to run me over with his pickup truck because I was coming up the wrong side of the street on my bicycle, the street leading to the beach. He screamed at me to get out of the way you stupid "vacationer" I said, I am here for the winter and he replied he had been there for 3 yrs. Before I left I was on the forum asking questions and everyone was so helpful, I was looking forward to meeting some of these people. I guess if I had stayed at Croc Condo's or maybe in Tokohu but I did go to the places for coffee that the locals would meet at after yoga and I did pass Dirty Martini many times but it was busy and you could tell everyone knew each other as they were all chatting. I went back when it was less busy but even the bartender was unfriendly, I guess because I wasn't a local. Oh yes, you can spot the expats, walking their dog(s) quickly down the street, sporting their deep dark tans, funky and less clothes, noses up in the air. More or less saying, don't even think of approaching me. So I came home thinking I won't go back to Playa, but I am, I just booked 6 months. I do have friends there and know it so well. I tried to look into renting in Tokohu but your favorite local rental woman never answered my e-mail. I know this all sounds quite nasty but I had to give my two cents. Playa is mine just as much as anyone elses and I think the Expats should lose the attitude. I am coming back with no expectations and plan to enjoy my 6 months. Cheers! |
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06-14-2012
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#3 (permalink) |
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reposado
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 1,483
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Do you know Spanish? If not, take the opportunity to learn. You would meet more people & that would help you expand your social circle immensely & keep it from being confined to confined to English-speaking expats.
And I see info posted about many other places besides bars to meet people- a gym, park, volunteer organizations, etc. If you're basically an introvert, like some of us, meeting people in bars and striking up a conversation isn't easy. Last edited by Dan-0; 06-14-2012 at 03:23 PM.. |
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06-14-2012
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#4 (permalink) |
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Travel Insurance Tester
  Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: The Joisey Shore
Posts: 17,465
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Have you ever read the "Peep" section of this board? There are peep meets, or gatherings, scheduled quite often. Everything from dinners, to bar crawls, to beach days. While they are usually planned by people vacationing, you can also find locals and ex pats attending. Anyone and everyone is welcome to go and this would be a good opportunity to meet people who live in Playa. Also, have you ever gone to Wah Wah's or Luna Blue on nights they have music? This is another good opportunity to meet people, both vacationers (many who come often or for long stays) and locals/ex pats. There are plenty of nice people there, you just have to find them - and these are a few ways how you might do that.
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06-14-2012
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#5 (permalink) |
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life=playa
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 776
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I second everything that Shammy said
 You have to be willing to go up and at least say hi to people if you want to meet anyone.Another way to meet some of the expats would be to volunteer at one of the local organizations, PAR, Coco's, or others. I've met some great people (tourists and expats) doing this. And this year PAR will be open when I'm down there... YIPPEEEEEEE!!!!! |
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06-14-2012
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#6 (permalink) |
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reposado
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 1,188
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I third all the above and include Bad Boys Beach Bar in Shammy's list of night spots. There is a huge group of snowbirds that winter in Playa. They are more than likely to be at local events and watering holes. Just step up, introduce yourself and strike up a conversation. You will find most are willing to sit and chat as they have plenty of free time on their hands.
If you follow the forum and the Peep Meet section you will be up on where all the action is. Also, do a search on Rob/Rubio's back#3 http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...%27s+back+%233 and read it through. He organizes many activities while there and often puts out open invites to attend. Hope to see you this comming winter. Last edited by Murrsay185; 06-14-2012 at 03:27 PM.. |
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06-14-2012
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#7 (permalink) | |
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way into it
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 214
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Quote:
too bad you had such a hard time last time you been in town, I got to say - not doubtin' your word though - most expats I know don't have much of a tan  .anyway, bad boys beach bar  and mom's bar are another 2 place to easily get in contact with both local and longtime vacationers. check it out, go in the early evening, like 7 pm, cause - in my experience - sometimes it's easier to make contact when the places are not too crowded. I have met only a handful of locals who give ' vacationers' a hard time  or ignore them completely.  not to expect too much is a healthy attitude, but really not necessary in playa. you'll find people who'll like you & you'll like in return. have a great week. |
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06-14-2012
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#8 (permalink) | |
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aņejo
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Playa del Carmen
Posts: 16,232
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Quote:
 I live here, and that doesn't describe me at all. I would never just go up to a stranger and introduce myself. Not because I'm stuck up, but because I'm painfully shy.  Why would anyone simply approach you, without you giving him/her a reason to? Do you just walk up to strangers and try to get to know them, for no reason? Kudos if you do. But I don't know many people like that. I think no one approached you because no one knew you! That's normal, isn't it? If you want to get to know some ex-pats, I agree with the folks above that suggest Bad Boys and Mom's. Especially Mom's. It's a very laid-back place, frequented by many people that live here. Good luck this time!
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06-14-2012
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#10 (permalink) |
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aņejo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,903
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Hubby and I aren't even very social people, we don't frequent Bad Boys or do any volunteering, stay for two months in Playa and I have no problem meeting expats! Smile, introduce yourself and carry on a decent conversation with them. They are just people for crying out loud. I have asked them their opinions about where to eat, catch the bus, how to get somewhere. Most don't bite! LOL!
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06-14-2012
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#12 (permalink) |
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way into it
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Yorkton,Saskatchewan
Posts: 144
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I found when I went to Bad Boys or Carboncitos there wasn't much choice but to converse with my fellow humans
It can start with a smile and a question,and then for the most part good times prevail.I know I have had the pleasure of meeting a few folks on this board,in particular An amazing human by the name of Steve(snappy Sammy),who is most wise and accommodating . Folks like this makes me want to return to Playa tonight!
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